UNIVERSITY OF LUSAKA

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
CHEMISTRY PMCH110
SIPIWE ZULU PMBChB24128850
PERSUADE CHIRUKAMARE PMBChB24122127
ADIEL BANDA PMBChB24124041
ESTHER BANDA PMBChB23222165
BANDA MITCHEL ANESU PMBCHB24124895

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Aims and objectives
The primary aim of this experiment is to determine the relative atomic mass (Ar) of metal X
utilizing the titration method with the metal carbonate X2CO3•H2O. This involves the
precise measurement of the mass of X2CO3•H2O, its dissolution in deionized water, and
subsequent titration with hydrochloric acid (HCl) using methyl red indicator to ascertain the
endpoint of the reaction. Additionally, the experiment aims to provide hands-on experience in
accurate weighing, preparation of solutions, and execution of titration techniques, thereby
enhancing practical laboratory skills. Furthermore, the experiment seeks to deepen
understanding of quantitative analysis principles, particularly in the context of acid-base
titrations, and the role of indicators in signaling chemical reactions. Through these objectives,
participants will gain insight into the application of theoretical concepts in practical analytical
chemistry experiments, fostering a comprehensive understanding of laboratory procedures
and methodologies.

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INTRODUCTION
Quantitative analysis is any method used for determining the amount of a chemical in a
sample. One such method is a titration, in which a measured volume of a solution of one
substance, the titrant, is added to a solution of another substance to determine its
concentration. A particular solution is used as an indicator to mark the endpoint of the
titration. The endpoint is the point at which the solution's colour changes completely due to
the formation of the product due to the addition of indicator. It indicates the end of the
titration reaction, that is the completion of the reaction.
Titration is a quantitative analytical technique used to determine the concentration of a
substance in a solution by reacting it with a solution of known concentration, in this case
which is HCl. It involves gradually adding the titrant to the analyst (solution of unknown
concentration which is X2CO3H2O, ) until the reaction reaches completion, as indicated by
an observable change. The volume of titrant used is measured, allowing the calculation of the
analyst’s concentration.
In this experiment the relative atomic mass (Ar) of an unknown metal X will be determined
by titration method of the metal carbonate X2CO3H2O, with HCl using methyl red as the
indicator which changes color from yellow (in basic solution) to red in acidic solution, in this
case HCl.
If one mole of metal carbonate X reacts with two moles of hydrochloric acid in a balanced
chemical equation, then the volume of HCl required in the titration can be used to calculate
the molar mass and, consequently, the atomic mass (Ar) of metal .This hypothesis is based on
the assumption that the reaction follows a specific stoichiometry, which is crucial for
accurately determining the unknown metal's atomic mass.

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Materials and methods

The experiment requires hydrochloric acid (HCl), metal carbonate 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O, deionized
water, methyl red indicator, and various glassware including a 250 cm3 beaker, a 250 cm3
volumetric flask, burette, pipette, and conical flask.
Initially, a sample of 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O is weighed accurately in a clean, dry 250 cm3 beaker and
dissolved in deionized water. The resulting solution is transferred to a 250 cm3 volumetric
flask and diluted to the mark with deionized water, yielding the 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O (aq) solution.
Subsequently, a clean burette is filled with HCl, and 20 cm3 of the prepared 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O (aq)
solution is pipetted into a clean conical flask, where it is mixed with a few drops of methyl
red indicator. Titration is performed with HCl until the colour change indicating the endpoint
of the reaction is observed. Multiple titrations are conducted to ensure reproducibility of
results, with each titre value recorded accurately. Throughout the experiment, safety
precautions such as wearing, a lab coat, and closed shoes are adhered to, and contact with
chemicals is minimized to avoid any potential hazards.

RESULTS & ANALYSIS

Preparation of a standard solution

Mass of empty beaker 102.2153g
Mass of beaker and X2CO3.H2O 102.7212g
Mass of X2CO3.H2O 0.5059g
Volume of volumetric flask used 250cm3

Titration table
Portion Burette Reading (cm3) Titre Volume (cm3)
Initial Final
Trial 0.00 9.40 9.40
1 18.20 27.50 9.30
2 9.00 18.20 9.20
3 15.00 24.30 9.30
Average : 9.30

(a) n ( HCL) = C ×V
=0.0499 × (9.30 ÷1000)
= 4.64 × 10-4 moles

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 (b) 2 HCl (aq) + X 2 CO3.H2O(S) → 2XCL(aq) +CO2 (aq) +2H2O(l)

2H+ (aq) + 2𝐶𝑙 − (𝑎𝑞) + XCO3 2-

+ H 2 O (l) → 2XCl (aq) CO2(g) +2 H2O (l)

2H+ (aq) + 2𝐶𝑙 −1 (𝑎𝑞) + X (aq) + CO32- (aq) + H2O6 → 2𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 2Cl- (aq) + CO2 +2H2O(l)

CO32-(aq ) + 2H+(aq) → CO2(g) +H2O(aq)

𝑛
(c) .C(𝑋2CO3.𝐻2 O) = 𝑉

Finding the number of moles we use the molar ratio

𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O : HCl
1 : 2
4.64× 10−4 𝑚𝑜𝑙
n(𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O) = 2

= 2.32 × 10−4 𝑚𝑜𝑙

2.32×10−4 𝑚𝑜𝑙
= 0.020𝐿

=0.011mol/L
d) Mr of (𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3 .𝐻2 O)

(a) Finding molecular mass of (X2CO3.H2O)

Mr =mass / number of moles

Moles in 20cm3= 2.32×10-4

Moles in 250cm3 = more

250/20 ×(2.32×10-4)=2.90×10-3 mol

0.5059
Mr =2.90×10−3)

= 174.42g/mol

(b) Calculating Atomic mass of X

X2+12.01 + (16×4) + (1.008×2) = 174.42g/mol

X2 =(174.42-78.0260)g/mol

= 96.395g/mol

X =96.395÷2
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 = 48g/mol
From the value of Mr for X found from the experimental values and calculations, X has been
deduced to be Potassium.

DICUSSION
From the results and data analysis, the unknown metal X was able to be determined. It had
been hypothesized that if a known concentration of acid was used against an unknown metal
carbonate monohydrate with metal X, then the atomic mass of the metal could be calculated
and hence determine its identity. Table 1 shows the calculations for mass of the metal
carbonate monohydrate, ( 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O) used to prepare the solution of the titrate. By
subtracting the mass of the empty beaker from the mass of beaker and metal carbohydrate
monohydrate, a mass of 0.5059g was calculated as the amount of 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O to be used.

Table 2 shows the titration values that were recorded and calculated during the titration
portion of the experiment. The first titre value was from the trial titration that is used to
determine the range of the end point of the titration. Methyl red was used as the indicator and
a control of a mixture of the titrate and indicator was used to help observe the colour change
from yellow to orange. A pink staining was noticed as the HCl was being added to the metal
carbonate monohydrate solution and the solution turned orange after a little more than
9.00cm3 of the acid had been added and red if too much acid was added. From the table it is
observed that the first and third portion had similar results and calculation of the average titre
volume was done using those two, with the second portion having a difference of 0.10cm3
from them.

The mass calculated in the first table was used in data analysis for the calculation of the of the
molecular mass of 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3 .𝐻2 O which led to the calculation of the atomic mass of X which
was 48.197. The volume of the HCl calculated was used in calculating both the number of
moles of the acid itself and hence in turn that of 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O using the mole ratio from the
balanced equation.

Room for error was observed during measurements of mass using the mass scale. The masses
fluctuated due to environmental influences which could lead to using more or less metal
carbonate monohydrate used and hence wrong calculations for its molecular mass. Multiple
measurements of mass could have been taken and averaged to find a more precise and
accurate value. Another source of error was the use of the indicator dropper. There was a
chance of adding more than enough drops which could lead to an imprecise volume of HCl
used. Improvements could be done by comparing droppers and using the one with less room
for error. Use of the pipette to transfer the solution of titrate to use helped reduce volumetric
errors and doing multiple experiments then averaging the value helped with calculating an
accurate value of HCl required as well as help minimise the uncertainty due to human error.

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CONCLUSION
From the experiment it was noted that the hypothesis was proven to be true. If a known
concentration of acid was used against an unknown metal carbonate monohydrate with metal
X, then the atomic mass of the metal could be calculated and hence determine its identity.
From the volume of HCl calculated through titration and its known concentration, moles of
HCl were calculate, mole ratio was used to calculate the moles of 𝑋2 𝐶𝑂3.𝐻2 O and used to
calculate the molecular using the mass recorded and its amount of substance. The atomic
mass of metal X was then calculated to be 48.197g/mol and the identity of the metal was
determined to be potassium since it had an atomic mass closer to the calculated value.

REFERENCES

Goldberg, D. 2006. Fundamental of Chemistry. 5th edition. McGraw Hill, 303.

Nilson, B. 2017. Acid-Base Indicators.

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